U.S. patent number 7,243,982 [Application Number 11/007,316] was granted by the patent office on 2007-07-17 for operator's cab for a work machine.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc. Invention is credited to Michael T. Baltes, Jeffrey Alan Brush, Craig Baker Kelley, Ashley D. Menges.
United States Patent |
7,243,982 |
Kelley , et al. |
July 17, 2007 |
Operator's cab for a work machine
Abstract
An operator's cab for a work machine includes a ceiling
structure and a floor structure. An operator's station is disposed
between the ceiling structure and the floor structure, and is
configured to position an operator in a driving position. First and
second vertical support bars extend from the ceiling structure to
the floor structure. The first and second vertical support bars are
disposed forwardly of the operator's station and are spaced a
substantially equal distance from a longitudinal axis of the work
machine. Third and fourth vertical support bars also extend from
the ceiling structure to the floor structure. The third and fourth
vertical support bars are spaced a substantially equal distance
from the longitudinal axis. The distance from the first and second
vertical support bars to the longitudinal axis is less than the
distance from the third and fourth vertical support bars to the
longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
Kelley; Craig Baker (Dunlap,
IL), Menges; Ashley D. (Peoria, IL), Brush; Jeffrey
Alan (Dunlap, IL), Baltes; Michael T. (Mapleton,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc (Peoria,
IL)
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Family
ID: |
35479883 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/007,316 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20050280286 A1 |
Dec 22, 2005 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60581370 |
Jun 22, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/190.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F
9/163 (20130101); B62D 33/0617 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
33/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;296/190.08,190.01,190.1,190.11
;172/4.5,63,197,199,684.5,779-781,811 ;180/89.13 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0 608 422 |
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Aug 1994 |
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EP |
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1 380 497 |
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Jan 2004 |
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EP |
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Other References
US. Appl. No. 11/214,904, filed Aug. 31, 2005. cited by
other.
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Primary Examiner: Gutman; H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner
Parent Case Text
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application
60/581,370, filed Jun. 22, 2004, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An operator's cab for a work machine, comprising: a ceiling
structure; a floor structure; a first and a second vertical support
bar extending between the ceiling structure and the floor
structure; an operator's station in the operator's cab configured
to position an operator in a driving position, a central region of
the operator's station defining an index axis extending
substantially perpendicular to a seating area of the operator's
station; a first index angle defined between a longitudinal axis of
the work machine and a line extending from the index axis to the
first vertical support bar; and a second index angle defined
between the longitudinal axis and a line extending from the index
axis to the second vertical support bar, wherein the first vertical
support bar is disposed such that the first index angle is less
than about 30 degrees, and wherein the second vertical support bar
is disposed such that the second index angle is greater than about
70 degrees, and wherein the difference between the first index
angle and the second index angle defines a viewing angle, the
viewing angle being unobstructed by a vertical support bar.
2. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein the first vertical
support bar is disposed such that the first index angle is less
than about 20 degrees.
3. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein the first vertical
support bar is disposed such that the first index angle is less
than about 15 degrees.
4. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein the first vertical
support bar is disposed such that the first index angle is less
than about 10 degrees and wherein the second vertical support bar
is disposed such that the second index angle is greater than about
80 degrees.
5. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein the operator's station is
a seat having a front edge, and wherein the second vertical support
bar is disposed rearward of the seat front edge.
6. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein a door is disposed within
the viewing angle.
7. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein the floor structure is
beveled so that a portion of the floor structure in front of the
operator's station is more narrow than a portion of floor structure
behind the operator's station.
8. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of at
least one of the first and second vertical support bars includes a
trapezoidal cross-section.
9. The operator's cab of claim 1, wherein the first vertical
support bar is disposed at an incline such that a top portion of
the first vertical support bar is positioned farther away from the
operator's station than a bottom portion of the first vertical
support bar.
10. A motor grader, comprising: a front frame; a rear frame
disposed adjacent the front frame; an operator's cab disposed on
the front frame, the operator's cab including a ceiling structure,
a floor structure, a first vertical support bar, and a second
vertical support bar, the first and second vertical support bars
extending between the ceiling structure and the floor structure;
and an operator's station in the operator's cab configured to
position an operator in a driving position, a central region of the
operator's station defining an index axis extending substantially
perpendicular to a seating area of the operator's station; a first
index angle defined between a longitudinal axis of the motor grader
and a line extending from the index axis to the first vertical
support bar; and a second index angle defined between the
longitudinal axis and a line extending from the index axis to the
second vertical support bar, wherein the first vertical support bar
is disposed such that the first index angle is less than about 30
degrees, and wherein the second vertical support bar is disposed
such that the second index angle is greater than about 70 degrees,
and wherein the difference between the first index angle and the
second index angle defines a viewing angle, the viewing angle being
unobstructed by a vertical support bar.
11. The motor grader of claim 10, wherein the first vertical
support bar is disposed such that the first index angle is less
than about 15 degrees.
12. The motor grader of claim 10, wherein the first vertical
support bar is disposed such that the first index angle is less
than about 10 degrees and wherein the second vertical support bar
is disposed such that the second index angle is greater than about
80 degrees.
13. The motor grader of claim 10, wherein the operator's station is
a seat having a front edge, and wherein the second vertical support
bar is disposed rearward of the seat front edge.
14. A motor grader, comprising: an operator's cab having a ceiling
structure and a floor structure; a chair disposed in the operator's
cab and configured to position an operator in a driving position; a
blade disposed forward of the operator's cab; and front vertical
support bars extending from the ceiling structure to the floor
structure, the front vertical support bars being disposed forwardly
of the chair, and being spaced a substantially equal distance from
a longitudinal axis of the motor grader, the front vertical support
bars being configured to render both edges of the blade visible to
an operator seated in the chair.
15. The motor grader of claim 14, including front wheels, the front
vertical support bars being configured to render at least a portion
of the front wheels visible to an operator seated in the chair.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure is directed to an operator's cab and, more
particularly, to an operator's cab for a work machine such as, for
example, a motor grader.
BACKGROUND
An operator's cab for a motor grader typically includes a number of
controls for operating the working tools on the motor grader. For
example, one known motor grader uses sixteen different control
levers to operate the motor grader work tool. The controls extend
across the front of the operator's cab for easy access by the
operator. Because so many controls are placed in front of the
operator, operating cabs are typically of a generally square
configuration. Because the operator sits behind the controls, he
may not have a view of the work tool and/or the front wheels of the
motor grader. Accordingly, during use, to get a proper view of the
work tool, an operator may be required to stand or otherwise move
within the operator's cab to a position where he has increased
visibility.
In addition to providing a housing for the controls of the motor
grader, an operator's cab should also be structurally sound. For
example, the operator's cab must be designed to protect an operator
in the event of a roll-over. A support structure capable of
withstanding such loads may include vertical support bars extending
from the top to the bottom of the operator's compartment. Because
operator's cabs are typically square, the vertical support bars may
be placed at the corners. Vertical support bars at these locations
are typically in the line of sight of an operator and located
directly between the operator and the work tool, such as the blade.
Thus, the operator's view of the work tool may be impaired.
Improvements in the visibility of an operator may increase
efficiency and productivity of the operator running the motor
grader. Increases in efficiency and productivity reduce costs.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,969 to Sandrock et al. discloses an operator's
cab on a rubber tire front end loader. The operator's cab includes
a front windshield that appears to be angled to the center of the
cab from a side of the cab. However, the operator's compartment
disclosed in the '969 patent does not increase the viewing area
sufficient for a motor grader. In addition, the location of the
vertical support bars still would obstruct an operator's view when
such an operator's compartment would be used on a motor grader.
Accordingly, the operator's compartment in the '969 patent does not
disclose a system that would sufficiently increase visibility of an
operator to the work tools of the motor grader.
The disclosed operator's cab overcomes one or more of the
deficiencies of the prior art by increasing an operator's viewing
area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, this disclosure is directed to an operator's cab for
a work machine. The operator's cab includes a ceiling structure and
a floor structure. An operator's station is disposed between the
ceiling structure and the floor structure, and is configured to
position an operator in a driving position. First and second
vertical support bars extend from the ceiling structure to the
floor structure. The first and second vertical support bars are
disposed forwardly of the operator's station and are spaced a
substantially equal distance from a longitudinal axis of the work
machine. Third and fourth vertical support bars also extend from
the ceiling structure to the floor structure. The third and fourth
vertical support bars are spaced a substantially equal distance
from the longitudinal axis. The distance from the first and second
vertical support bars to the longitudinal axis is less than the
distance from the third and fourth vertical support bars to the
longitudinal axis.
In another aspect, an operator's cab for a work machine is
disclosed. The operator's cab includes a ceiling structure and a
floor structure. A first and a second vertical support bar extend
between the ceiling structure and the floor structure. An
operator's station in the operator's cab is configured to position
an operator in a driving position. A central region of the
operator's station defines an index axis extending substantially
perpendicular to an area of the operator's station. A first index
angle is defined between a longitudinal axis of the work machine
and a line extending from the index axis to the first vertical
support bar. Likewise, a second index angle is defined between the
longitudinal axis and a line extending from the index axis to the
second vertical support bar. The first vertical support bar is
disposed such that the first index angle is less than about 30
degrees and the second vertical support bar is disposed such that
the second index angle is greater than about 70 degrees. The
difference between the first index angle and the second index angle
defines a viewing angle that is unobstructed by a vertical support
bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a side view of an exemplary
motor grader.
FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a top view of the exemplary
motor grader of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of an exemplary operator's cab
for a motor grader.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary support structure used in the operator's cab
of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a top view of the
operator's cab of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of the cross-section of an
exemplary vertical support bar.
FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of an operator's view from the
operator's cab of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments that
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible,
the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
An exemplary embodiment of a motor grader 100 is illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2. The motor grader 100 includes a rear frame section
102 and a front frame section 104. The rear frame section 102
includes a rear frame 106 and an engine in an engine compartment
108. The engine in the engine compartment 108 is mounted on the
rear frame 106 and drives or powers rear wheels 110 on the motor
grader 100. While this particular embodiment is a motor grader, it
is understood that the disclosed operator's cab may have
applications in other work machines.
The front frame section 104 includes a front frame 112, a blade
assembly 114, and an operator cab 116. The front frame 112 extends
from front wheels 118 to the rear wheels 110 and supports the
operator cab 116. The operator cab 116 contains the many controls
necessary to operate the motor grader 100.
The blade assembly 114 includes a blade 120 and a linkage assembly
122 that allows the blade 120 to be moved to a variety of different
positions relative to the motor grader 100. The linkage assembly
122 includes a drawbar 124, a right lift cylinder 126, a left lift
cylinder 128 (FIG. 2), a center shift cylinder 130, and a coupling
132.
The drawbar 124 is mounted to the front frame 112, and its position
is controlled by the right lift cylinder 126, the left lift
cylinder 128, and the center shift cylinder 130. The coupling 128
connects the three cylinders 126, 128, and 130 to the front frame
112. The coupling 128 can be moved during blade repositioning, but
is fixed stationary during earthmoving operations. The height of
the blade 120 is controlled primarily with the right and left lift
cylinders 126, 128. The right and left lift cylinders 126, 128 may
be controlled independently and, thus, may be used to angle the
blade 120 relative to the ground. The center shift cylinder 130 is
used primarily to sideshift the drawbar 124, and all the components
mounted to the end of the drawbar 124, relative to the front frame
112.
The drawbar 124 includes a large, flat plate, commonly referred to
as a yoke plate 134, as shown in FIG. 2. Beneath the yoke plate 134
is a large gear or circle 136 (FIG. 1). The circle 136 may be
rotated using methods known in the art to pivot the blade 120 about
a blade axis 137 to establish a blade cutting angle. The motor
grader 100 includes a longitudinal axis 138 that defines a
centerline of the motor grader in this exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the operator's cab 116 separate from
the motor grader 100. The operator's cab 116 includes a ceiling
structure 142, a floor structure 144, a front wall 146, and a back
wall 148. In addition, the operator's cab 116 includes sidewalls
150 and oblique walls 152. The front wall 146 includes a front
window 154 and a front panel 156. The front panel 156 may connect
directly to the front frame 112 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the
motor grader 100. The back wall 148 includes a back window 158 and
a back panel 160. The back panel 160 may connect directly to the
rear frame 106 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the motor grader
100.
The side walls 150 and the oblique walls 152 connect the front and
back walls 146, 148. The side walls 150 are generally perpendicular
to the front and back walls 146, 148, while, as shown in FIG. 3,
the oblique walls 152 angle from the side walls 150 toward the
front wall 146. Although the side and oblique walls 150, 152 are
described as walls, it should be apparent that they could be
openings or could be formed of a transparent material such as glass
or plastic. Accordingly, an operator in the operator's cab 116 may
be capable of looking through the side and oblique walls 150, 152.
It should be noted that in one exemplary embodiment, portions of
the side and oblique walls 150, 152 may not be transparent. In one
exemplary embodiment, the oblique walls 152 may form an entry or
doorway into the operator's cab 116. The door 151 may also be
formed substantially of a transparent material, such as a glass or
plastic. In another exemplary embodiment, the oblique walls 152 may
include a horizontal bar extending cross-wise to provide
support.
Two entry handles 162 are shown on the exemplary operator's cab
116. The entry handles 162 may be bars or handles placed for the
convenience of the operator, and may be used when entering the cab,
or climbing a ladder into the cab. Within the operator's cab 116, a
chair defining an operator's station 164 may be disposed. The chair
includes a front edge 166 and positions the operator in a driving
position.
FIG. 4 shows a support structure 170 of the operator's cab 116. The
support structure 170 may be capable of withstanding the weight of
the motor grader 100, thereby protecting an operator in the event
of a rollover. The support structure 170 includes vertical support
bars extending from the floor structure to the ceiling structure,
such as front vertical support bars 172, back corner vertical
support bars 174, and side vertical support bars 176. The area
between the front vertical support bars 172 and the side support
bars 176 form the oblique wall 152 of FIG. 3. The area between the
back corner vertical support bars 174 defines the back wall 148 of
FIG. 3. Likewise, the area between the side support bars 176 and
the back corner vertical support bars 174 defines the side walls
150 of FIG. 3. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the
vertical support bars is disposed at an angle such that the support
bars are closer together at the floor structure 144 than at the
ceiling structure 142. Thus, each of the vertical support bars 172,
174, 176 may lean outwardly and away from the operator's station
164, such that a top portion of the vertical support bars is
positioned farther away from the operator's station than a bottom
portion of the vertical support bars. Because of this, the front
window 154 also leans outwardly and away from the operator's
station 164. In one exemplary embodiment, only the front vertical
support bars 172 lean outwardly, while in another embodiment, the
front and side vertical support bars 172, 176 lean outwardly.
However, the vertical support bars could be substantially vertical
or taper inwardly in other exemplary embodiments.
In one exemplary embodiment, horizontal support bars may extend
between two or more of the vertical support bars 172, 174, 176.
Other configurations may be used as would be apparent to one
skilled in the art. For example, in this exemplary embodiment, the
operator's cab 116 includes two front vertical support bars 172.
However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that one
vertical support bar could be provided.
FIG. 5 shows the top view of the operator's cab 116 with the
ceiling structure removed. In this exemplary embodiment, the front
vertical support bars 172 are substantially equally spaced from the
longitudinal axis 138. Likewise, the side and rear vertical support
bars 174, 176 are substantially equally spaced from the
longitudinal axis 138. In this exemplary embodiment, the distance
from the front vertical support bars 172 to the longitudinal axis
138 is less than the distance from the side and rear vertical
support bars 174, 176 to the longitudinal axis. This enables the
floor structure 144 to be beveled, as shown by beveled edges 178
extending from the side walls to the front wall. In one exemplary
embodiment, the beveled edge 178 is angled within a range of 20 50
degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle is at around 30
degrees. However, other angles could be used.
In this particular disclosed embodiment, the side and rear vertical
support bars 174, 176 form a generally rectangular shape containing
substantially all of the operator station 164. As can be seen, the
side vertical support bars 176 are disposed adjacent to the
operator's station 164. They may also be disposed rearward of the
front edge 166 of the operator's station 164.
The operator's station 164 includes an index axis 180, which
represents the general position of an operator's eyes, with varying
height, when the operator is appropriately seated in the operator's
station 164. The index axis 180 may be defined at the operator's
station 164 as being a substantially vertical axis (with reference
to the base of the operator's seat) extending upward from the
central area of an operator seat. It is anticipated that the eyes
of an operator in the operator's station 164 may be within a range
of about 1.5 to 3.5 feet above the seat of the operator's station,
and generally along the index axis 180.
The visibility of an operator will be described with reference to
an index angle .theta. and a viewing angle .PSI.. As set forth more
clearly below, the index angle .theta. is the angle formed between
the longitudinal axis 138 and a line drawn between the index axis
180 and a vertical support bar. The viewing angle .PSI. corresponds
to the view of an operator between adjacent vertical support bars.
As shown in FIG. 5, the front vertical support bars 172 may be
disposed at an index angle .theta..sub.1, such as for example, 10
degrees. The next adjacent vertical support bar is disposed at an
index angle .theta..sub.2, which could be, for example, 80 degrees.
By calculating the difference between the two index angles, the
viewing angle .PSI., corresponding to the angle unobstructed by
vertical support bars relative to an operator, may be determined.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the viewing angle .PSI. may be
calculated to be 70 degrees. It should be noted that other angles
may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the index angle
.theta..sub.1 is less than 30 degrees, and the index angle
.theta..sub.2 is greater than 70 degrees. Thus, the viewing angle
.PSI. is greater than 40 degrees. In another exemplary embodiment,
the index angle .theta..sub.1 is less than 20 degrees, and the
index angle .theta..sub.2 is greater than 70 degrees. Thus, the
viewing angle .PSI. is greater than 50 degrees. In yet another
exemplary embodiment, the index angle .theta..sub.1 is less than 15
degrees, and the index angle .theta..sub.2 is greater than 70
degrees. Thus, the viewing angle .PSI. is greater than 55
degrees.
In one exemplary embodiment, because the viewing angle .PSI. is
determined in part by the location of the oblique wall 152, which
may be a door or entry to the operator's cab 116, the viewing angle
.PSI. may include a horizontal support bar and/or a door handle.
However, the viewing angle does not include a vertical support bar
within that range. The index and viewing angles may change when the
position of the seat or operator's station is changed relative to
the vertical support bars.
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary vertical support
bar 182 that may be used on the operator's cab 116. The vertical
support bar 182 is a trapezoid shape, including two substantially
parallel surfaces 184. In addition, the vertical support bar 182
includes tapered walls 188 that are aligned with a line of sight
186 of an operator. This configuration enables the operator to have
an enhanced viewing area, while still providing a sufficient
support structure for the operator cab. In one exemplary
embodiment, the vertical support bar 182 has a rectangular shape
and is disposed so that the narrow edge of the rectangle is facing
the operator's station.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The operator's cab 116 enhances the visibility of an operator
controlling a work machine, such as the motor grader 100. FIG. 7
shows an exemplary view of an operator from the index axis 180 in
the operator's cab 116. As shown in FIG. 7, an operator sitting in
the operator's station 164 may be able to view working tools of the
motor grader 100, such as, for example, the blade 120 and/or the
front wheels 118 of the motor grader 100, by looking out the front
window 154 and through the transparent area defining the oblique
walls 152. As shown in FIG. 7, edges at both ends of the blade 120
are visible. In a preferred embodiment, the operator's cab may be
configured to provide no viewing impairment to an operator's
ability to view both ends of the blade 120 throughout the blade's
full range of rotation. The operator's cab may be configured to
provide such a view to an operator in the operator's station 164,
when the operator's eyes are disposed generally along the index
axis 180, and within the range of about 1.5 to 3.5 feet above the
seat of the operator's station 164. In another exemplary
embodiment, the operator's cab may be configured to provide such a
view when the operator's eyes are disposed generally along the
index axis 180, and within the range of about 2 to 3 feet above the
seat of the operator's station 164.
Because an operator can more easily view the working components,
the operator may require less training and, in addition, work more
efficiently. This reduces training costs and increasing
productivity. Further, the enhanced visibility afforded by the
disclosed operator's cab may be obtained without creating safety
concerns. The disclosed operator's cab may be a robust design
capable of protecting an operator in the event of a rollover.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *